Blog

I was thrilled to start the next chapter of the Grasshopper Goods journey surrounded by family and friends in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, April 15th. To celebrate Vinny’s new beginning and the arrival of the truck, we decided to host a 1977-themed party in honor of Vinny’s birth year. Complete with Tuna Casserole, Twinkies, PBR and a groovy soundtrack provided by my husband Steve, the party was a blast! I have no doubt that Vinny’s spirit has been blessed by the positive energy and love shared by family and friends alike. We toasted the excitement of the amazing collaborative efforts of Beyond Broncos & Sterling Grey (my brothers, John & Jim Foersterling) the amazing artists that made Vinny something special. We also thanked all who’s helped GG have a great first year, including Jenn Zutter, Creative Director of Grasshopper Goods.

I can’t wait to share Grasshopper Goods with Wisconsin, and have several events coming up in the next month or two, so be sure to check out our calendar for more information!

For now, here’s some of my favorite pictures from Vinny’s Christening :)

Cheers!

Karen Tardrew

Grasshopper Goods, Owner & Founder

Thanks for the support of family!

The 70's era food was a blast!

Can't wait to share the awesome 1977 playlist on the truck.

Thanks to Jenn Zutter, our Creative Director.

Thanks to the collaboration of Sterling Grey (left) and Beyond Broncos (center).

It was a great event. Thanks to all that braved the Wisconsin storms. We had a great turn-out and enjoyed wine, shopping and girlfriend time! At Grasshopper Goods we bring the latest trends in apparel, jewelry and accessories right to the shopper and stock merchandise that is personally hand-selected. This includes talented local designers, makers and artists. Grasshopper Goods will be Madison’s first mobile fashion truck launching in spring of 2017. In the meantime, check our Facebook, Instagram & website for inspiration and sneak peaks! You can also enjoy our time lapse video from our debut, linked below. Contact us via our website or Facebook if you are interested in hosting a preview event this summer or fall.Botham Vineyards: http://www.bothamvineyards.com/Time lapse video: https://vimeo.com/172032498Contact: ktardrew@grasshopppergoods.com

Over the years, I've had some special visits by some wise grasshoppers.

The first occurred on a family trip to the Caribbean for a celebration. At the time, my family was encouraging me to follow my entrepreneurial dream of starting my own boutique. When we landed, we jumped into a taxi to cross the island. As I climbed into the front seat, a big, green grasshopper followed me and landed on the outside of the windshield right in front of me. The Rastafarian driver said “Ya man,...do you know what that means? Good luck, great beginnings, great fortune!” That crazy grasshopper hung on the whole ride across the island and jumped off with me. On our last day, another grasshopper (or was it the same one?) appeared and watched the commotion of our departure, unfazed. After the trip, the taxi driver’s words stuck with me. I couldn’t help but feel that those grasshoppers were sending me a message – do it! That trip & those grasshoppers were the beginning of the plans for my shop.

Several years later, after my idea had evolved into a grand collaboration with my artistic brother, John, he took a leap of faith by purchasing a ’57 Chevy school bus from Wyoming, thinking it would be perfect for my shop (it turned out not to be, but that’s another story!). The bus arrived via trailer, and as we explored the bus for the first time together, we found no spiders, or cobwebs, but a live grasshopper waiting to greet us with a smile. He was still there the next morning. Don’t ask me why or how, but John and I both felt it was a sign that we were meant to work together. Since that moment, we haven’t looked back. 😊

Now, you may be skeptical and call these coincidences, and maybe they were, but then again, maybe they weren’t, right? The workings of the universe are mysterious!

Since my grasshopper encounters, I’ve done some research. Guess what, the Rastafarian taxi driver was right. In Native American tribal lore, grasshoppers symbolize messages of glad tidings and are considered harbingers of good news. In certain areas of China, grasshoppers were kept as pets & believed to be family members that had passed ensuring prosperity. And as an animal totem, grasshoppers choose innovators and those who take creative leaps of faith. They appeal to artists, musicians and dancers.

If that grasshopper appeared so that my brother & I would collaborate artistically, I trust you oh wise grasshopper...

Well, there it is!

You can call on the grasshopper when you need a sense of adventure in your life. When you feel stuck in a rut, the grasshopper can bounce you into a magical place filled with awe and joy (especially if that involves beautiful jewelry )!

At Grasshopper Goods, we support all sorts of amazing artists, makers & dreamers. I am so excited to help bring their amazing work to you!